Salem - Firefighter training continues for Oregon National Guard soldiers. This week, 129 soldiers from the 1249th Engineer Battalion and 125 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, are training at the Bend National Guard Armory and Jackson Armory in Portland.

Training consists of fire behavior; the use of water; fire suppression; securing of control line; use of maps; and scouting, patrolling and communicating; hazardous materials, standards for survival, wildland fire investigation, and cultural resources.

Field training for the 2-218th Field Artillery is on Friday, outside of Building 170 on the Portland Air National Guard Base. Soldiers will learn the use of fire shelters, constructing handlines, use of portable pumps, hose lays and engine operation. For the best visual opportunity, plan to arrive at the air base at 9:30 a.m.

Media interested in attending the hands-on session should make arrangements with Maj. Julum prior to arriving at the air base.